Move those Hips

Do you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, at a computer, or in front of your television? You are not alone. Many of us do lots of sitting; sitting can actually cause our hips muscles to tighten. Increased hip tightness can lead to less hip mobility and may actually add stress to your low back. As hip mobility is reduced, the hips may do less work so that the low back (lumbar) may be forced to work harder than is ideal.

Stretching the hips regularly can increase hip mobility and reduce the risk of back pain. Here is an easy to perform hip exercise that I recommend that may be used by anyone regardless of their fitness level or current condition.

EXERCISE: Wide Knees Side to Side

Starting Position:
Lying on you back with your knees bent and your feet hip width apart.

1. Drop you knees to one side until you feel light resistance.
2. Hold this end position for a second and drop the knees to the other side until you feel light resistance.
3. Perform 5 times on each side.

Progressions:
- Perform the exercises at different range of motions of hip abduction. Begin with 0 degrees and progress to 15, 30 and 45 degrees of hip abduction on both sides.

Let's connect at info@gaiaadventures.com.

Catherine D'Aoust at GAIA Adventures

Boot Camp class for nice and friendly people - ongoing Thursday night at 6:00pm Charleson Park, 999 Charleson Street & Laurel (off of 6th W, there is parking available). Join anytime, $60 for 4 sessions: open to men and women aged 19 and older.